News from: Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District

The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District is honored to celebrate our local fallen heroes at its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023, at 9 a.m.

The event will feature a flyover by a historic Douglas C-47 Skytrain military transport aircraft, made possible by a partnership with the Palm Springs Air Museum. The aircraft played a crucial role in World War II and continued to serve numerous military operators for decades.

Open to the public, the event will take place at the Veterans Memorial located at the heart of the cemetery grounds. Organized in collaboration with the American Legion Post 739, Indio, the day will be a memorable and meaningful tribute to those who served our nation.

Activities will begin with the opening of the cemetery gates at 6 a.m., extending until sundown, offering ample time for visitors to pay their respects and honor the memory of their loved ones. The ceremony will also feature a reflective invocation by Deacon Marty Sullivan from Our Lady of Soledad and the National Anthem, performed by the talented Coachella Valley High School Choir.

Ceremonies will include the presentation of wreaths and a reverential salute, known as a rifle volley, carried out by the Post 739 Honor Guard, and a Pass and Review by the distinguished American Legion Riders.

In a touching display of gratitude, Boy Scout Troops 1701 and 451 will join forces to place flags at the gravesites of United States Military veterans interred at the cemetery. These dedicated scouts will also participate in a memorial reading of Major Sullivan Ballou’s renowned letter from the American Civil War.

The Memorial Day ceremony is free of charge. All members of the community are encouraged to join this solemn occasion to honor the brave individuals who fought for our freedoms.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, May 29, 2023

Time: 9 a.m. (Gates open at 6 a.m.)

Location: Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, Veterans Memorial

Address: 82925 Avenue 52, Coachella

For more information about the Memorial Day ceremony, or to plan a visit to the cemetery, visit CVPCD.org.

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About the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District

The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District is an independent California Special District formed in 1927. The District serves the public cemetery needs of an area encompassing nearly 3,444 square miles of Riverside County, including the cities of Coachella, Indio, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, as well as parts of Rancho Mirage and unincorporated Riverside County. The purpose of the District is to offer affordable interment services for our County residents.